From the seven wonders of the ancient world to the UNESCO world heritage: Political and economic aspects of institutionalised cultural preservation

Abstract

The current paper thematised the institutionalisation of cultural protection and thereby draws a chronological arc from the ancient world wonder catalogue over first modern codifications up to the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage nomination. The contribution focuses on development and establishment of cultural protective initiatives and programmes in the (right) historical context. By reference to regional specific examples, transformations as well as rivals between national, supranational and individually initiated patterns of action will be shown. Apart from the internationally organised protection of cultural heritage, there is an increasing establishment of new trade systems on the basis of globally operating, national trusts. The commitment of the US-American J. Paul Getty Trust by restoration and conservation of outstanding cultural heritage like the Buddhist Mogao Caves shows exemplarily how the practice of global cultural preservation can become a component of foreign-policy efforts. Among political instrumentalization, economic value added will also be discussed as well as plebiscitary proceedings. This begs, among other, the question of the cultural protective character of privately initiated activities such as the Internet poll about the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' (2000-2007).